72 hours of outdoor adventures in Canberra
Updated 28 Feb 2025
Best hikes, popular bike rides, and scenic spots in Canberra.
Visitors to Canberra are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor adventures and nature experiences, with stunning landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, and gorges, forests, and snow-capped mountains all within just a short drive from the city centre. Whether you're hiking through rugged national parks, cycling along scenic trails, or savouring paddock-to-plate dining, there’s something for everyone in Canberra. Here's how to make the most of a weekend immersed in nature.
Friday
Friday afternoon
Arrive in Canberra and immediately embrace the great outdoors. Head to Cotter Campground, set on the banks of the Cotter River, where you can camp under the stars just 20 minutes from the city centre. With electric barbeques, toilets, and shower facilities, it’s the perfect spot for a tranquil evening by the water.
For those who prefer a roof over their heads, try Nil Desperandum, a historic European heritage property that provides a uniquely beautiful and rustic experience in the Australian bush of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
If you’re after something a bit more ‘boutique’, spend the night at Cubby and Co, nestled in the vines at Mount Majura Vineyard, just a 20-minute drive from the city. Enjoy a bell tent, a glass of vino overlooking the grapevines, boardgames, and a technology-free zone as you relax and unwind.
Friday night
Canberra's dining scene is unparalleled, offering a wide variety of options to suit every taste. If you're looking for al fresco recommendations, begin your evening in the beer garden at Edgar’s Inn in Ainslie, just a short stroll from the city centre. Or for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city, Lark Hill Winery in Bungendore is just a 30-minute drive away. Here, you can savour biodynamic wines while taking in breathtaking regional views.
Saturday
Saturday morning
Start your day with an invigorating hike at Namadgi National Park, just 45 minutes from the city centre. With 160 kilometres of marked walking tracks, you can explore scenic trails or conquer Booroomba Rocks for a rewarding view.
A visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a must. Home to wallabies, emus, koalas, and kangaroos, it offers over 24 walking trails. From short strolls to full-day hikes, there’s a trail suited to every adventurer.
Saturday afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the National Arboretum Canberra, a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views, unique experiences, and over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site. Walk or bike along its 20 kilometres of multi-purpose trails and enjoy the stunning vistas of the city and surrounding nature.
For a more adrenaline-fueled activity, visit Treetops Adventure in Majura Pines, where you can challenge yourself with high-ropes courses, zip lines, and other exciting obstacles amidst towering pines. It’s the perfect family outing and an exhilarating way to spend your afternoon.
Saturday night
Unwind from an adventure filled day with a casual dinner at The Dock on Kingston Foreshore, where you can enjoy a picturesque lakeside sunset while gazing over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s iconic centrepiece.
Another option for those seeking stunning sunset views is the popular walk, cycle, or drive up to the iconic Mount Ainslie Lookout.
Sunday
Sunday morning
Start your day with a scenic walk around Lake Burley Griffin.. At the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is surrounded by galleries, museums, cafes and parks, offering a perfect mix of culture and nature. Do as the locals do and spend an hour walking the 'bridge to bridge' path around the lake, stopping for a coffee along the way.
Then, grab a captain's hat and steer your eco-friendly GoBoat or Love Boat around the lake until you find the perfect spot for a floating picnic. With plenty of vistas to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong.
Sunday afternoon
As your weekend in Canberra draws to a close, explore the fantastic views that emerge through the trees along the marked walking trails of Black Mountain. Known as the most diverse of Canberra's nature parks, it is home to over 100 species of birds, 500 species of plants, and 5,000 species of insects.
For a final scenic viewpoint, head to Red Hill Lookout where you’ll spot many of our national icons and enjoy sweeping views of the city And for one last memorable experience, enjoy refined dining at Lunetta, where you’ll be treated to aerial views of Canberra paired with a carefully curated menu.
Extra time
For those with a bit more time to spare, explore more of Canberra’s natural wonders.
Stromlo Forest Park
If getting active in the great outdoors is your idea of living it up, you’ll love Stromlo Forest Park. Located just 15-minutes' drive from the city centre, Stromlo Forest Park boasts a 1.2-kilometre criterium cycling circuit, a 2.5-kilometre grass cross-country running track, equestrian trails, pump track, a freestyle BMX facility and over 50 kilometres of mountain bike trails for riders of all abilities. Get the most out of your visit with the Mt Stromlo Shuttle Service running every 40 minutes.
Corin Forest
In winter, Corin Forest Mountain Resort, a 50-minute drive southwest of the city centre, is blanketed with snow perfect for building snowmen and tobogganing. Get your no-chill thrills on the Alpine Slide (ages two and up), which races through 1.2 kilometres of majestic mountain ash forest all year long.
Weston Park
Just 10-minutes from the city centre, Weston Park offers a serene natural retreat ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Ride along the scenic cycle track, challenge friends to a game of Bocce or Pétanque, or simply unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings. You may even spot kangaroos grazing in the distance.
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